No More Discrimination

Discrimination is still HIV's most deadly symptom. We have cheap, easy ways to test for HIV, and ever more effective drugs to treat the HIV virus. We cannot use them if people living with or very vulnerable to HIV are shunned, hidden, or denied their human rights. Compassion cures discrimination. It needs no special training or qualifications, just a belief that all people deserve the chance to protect themselves and others. Without compassion, we cannot create an AIDS free future.

The Statistics

46

Countries inflict travel or stay restrictions on people living with HIV.

21%

Number of people living with HIV in the UK have experienced some form of harassment or assault because of their status.

79%

Number of people living with HIV are afraid of discrimination after making their status known.

46

Countries inflict travel or stay restrictions on people living with HIV.

21%

Number of people living with HIV in the UK have experienced some form of harassment or assault because of their status.

79%

Number of people living with HIV are afraid of discrimination after making their status known.

Our Response

We believe everyone is entitled to dignity, respect and compassion.

We have made it our mission from the start to support those who are stigmatised by society just because they are living with or at high risk of HIV. Our funding provides them with the means to prevent infection, to access medicine and carry on with their lives. From the red light district of Mumbai to the prisons of St Petersburg and the slums of Glasgow, we have provided access to information, condoms, clean needles and HIV tests to those in need.

As more countries criminalise homosexuality around the world, we have deliberately expanded the work of programmes that offer HIV prevention, treatment and support in a non-judgmental environment to men who have sex with men (MSM).

Only by making sure that no one is left behind can we get closer to achieving an AIDS free future.

Our Progress

83k

Highly stigmatised people at risk of HIV have been supported by our programmes.

5%

Only 5% of men who have sex with men are coming forward to receive the medical treatment they need.

10%

Our goal is to double the availability of treatment for men who have sex with men.

83k

Highly stigmatised people at risk of HIV have been supported by our programmes.

5%

Only 5% of men who have sex with men are coming forward to receive the medical treatment they need.

10%

Our goal is to double the availability of treatment for men who have sex with men.

Project

NEPALI MSM & TRANSGENDER PROJECT

NEPALI MSM & TRANSGENDER PROJECT

Nepalese law remains silent on homosexuality but men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender (meti) communities face extreme stigma and frequent abuse from the police and general population.

1,300

MSM & Transgender Beneficiaries

Nepalese law remains silent on homosexuality but men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender (meti) communities face extreme stigma and frequent abuse from the police and general population. The shocking injuries pictured here are the result of an unprovoked attack by a group of men on a young meti in Kathmandu in 2004. Fortunately the meti survived this horrific attack and has given permission for these pictures to be used to illustrate the level of violence and danger faced by their community.

In such an environment it is easy to see how the MSM & meti communities were not being reached by mainstream awareness campaigns or HIV/AIDS services. Blue Diamond Society (BDS) saw this need and bravely took a stand initiating HIV/AIDS services designed for and by these communities and dedicated to meeting their needs. EJAF has helped BDS to establish these services and to become a leading light in this field, winning a number of international awards in recognition of its work.

We support BDS to provide HIV/AIDS information and education as well as condoms and lubricant, STI diagnosis and treatment, HIV counselling and testing, positive living and antiretroviral treatment support and a hospice for those who need it. The project’s outreach activities are conducted by MSM & meti peer educators who risk their own safety to undertake this work.

BDS is working hard to try and change the prevailing attitude towards their communities in Nepal and has had some significant successes – including getting the first transgender person legally recognised in February 2007. However there is still much to do before this vulnerable community’s rights are fully recognised and respected and they are able to access all HIV/AIDS services without stigma or discrimination.

Our Goals

No More Discrimination

No More HIV infections

No More AIDS Deaths

No More Discrimination

Stigma is still HIV's most deadly symptom. We have cheap, easy ways to test for HIV, and ever more effective drugs to treat the HIV virus. We cannot use them if people living with or very vulnerable to HIV are shunned, hidden, or denied their human rights. Compassion cures discrimination. It needs no special training or qualifications, just a belief that all people deserve the chance to protect themselves and others. Without compassion, we cannot create an AIDS free future.

No More HIV infections

We fund a huge range of projects - from mobile testing units at football matches to sending SMS text reminders to pregnant women. They all make HIV testing easy, affordable, reliable and above all are offered to everyone without judgement or discrimination. It's essential that HIV testing is a routine part of public health. The work we fund is always linked to national systems, and we lobby governments ensure the structures are in place to maintain and expand them.

No More AIDS Deaths

HIV medicines are now available for as little as $300 a year. Enlightened donors, NGOs and governments have made them available to over 7 million people living with HIV. These medicines not only save lives, they make people living with the virus up to 96% less infectious. So it turns out compassion for those who are sick has also been the best prevention plan. We fund programmes that expand affordable, quality medical treatment to reach those who urgently need help and are still waiting.

Ways you can help

At the Elton John AIDS Foundation we believe that AIDS can be beaten. Our goal is to create an AIDS free future for everybody in this world. With enough support, love and creativity, we know this is possible.